Bowling shoe kit

ABSTRACT

A bowling shoe which may have removably attachable forefoot/sole slide pads, and removably attachable heel brake pads. The bowling shoe may also have an outsole made of TPU, as well as lip characteristics to prevent forefoot slide pad wear, and rear outsole characteristics to facilitate removal of the heel brake pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bowling shoes and kits therefore.

Each sports shoe (e.g., running, golf, etc.) has its own unique set of characteristics and performance criteria. For bowling, unlike other sports such as golf, the slide and braking characteristics of the shoe are particularly important, especially for professionals and serious amateurs. (Golf obviously has its own unique set of concerns, including grip and stability.) In general, the sole of the non-sliding foot of a bowling shoe is made of rubber to provide traction, while the sliding foot's sole is made of a smooth and flat material that allows a bowler to slide into the release, with a rubber heel to allow for braking. Various heel, sole and outsole configurations have been proposed to enable bowlers to optimize slide and braking performance.

For example, interchangeable attachments to the forefoot/sole (slide pads) and to the heel (braking pads) of bowling shoes have been proposed. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,542,198, 7,246,453 and 8,458,927. Each pad, or portions thereof (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,027,661, 3,672077 and 6,651,360), can be designed with different surface characteristics, enabling the frictional interaction between the shoe and bowling lane to he altered to suit the individual bowler's style and idiosyncrasies, or to suit different lane conditions (e.g., oily lanes). Typically a hook and loop attachment (e.g., Velcro®) between the pad and the tread has been provided although, alternatively, mating surface topographies on the shoe and pad have also been used (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,453 to Kim). it is also known to provide symmetrical, interchangeable forefoot/sole attachments for each bowling shoe in a pair, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,458,927, which is incorporated by reference herein. Symmetrical forefoot/sole attachments are primarily an inventory aid, however, as only about 5% of bowlers are lefties.

While advantages provided by interchangeable sole and heel attachments have become accepted by serious and professional bowlers, problems persist. One problem presented by known interchangeable heel pads is the tendency of the attachable/removable heel attachment/pad to slightly slide or “give” during wear, relative to the heel. Another problem presented by known interchangeable sole pads has been the tendency for the front edge of the slide pad to begin peeling away during wear, especially for bowlers who exhibit a relatively steep toe angle of attack on the lane.

It would also be advantageous to design a bowling shoe using a material that has performance characteristics that are superior to rubber or EVA. New shoes, for example, may require a “break-in” period before the outsole has been flexed and has become sufficiently resilient to comfortably play. For example, an outsole made of TPU is more resilient than an outsole made of EVA, which means that the EVA outsole will break down quicker than the TPU outsole. In addition, TPU can be made both visually appealing and visually differentiating. For example, when rubber is made translucent (it will always look milky, not transparent), it has a substantially lowered abrasion resistance. In contrast, TPU can he made to look clear and transparent, like glass, without losing its abrasion resistance.

These and other problems are solved by the present invention.

DEFINITION OF CLAIM TERMS

The terms used in the claims of the patent as filed are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects mentioned above, as well as other objects, are solved by the present invention, which overcomes disadvantages of prior bowling shoes, while providing new advantages not previously obtainable with such shoes.

The present invention not only greatly reduces the risk of sole slide pad peeling, but also reduces the possibility of the interchangeable heel pad sliding relative to the heel. The invention also introduces a new material, TPU, for use with the outsole of bowling shoes.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bowling shoe kit may he provided, including: a forefoot, a heel and an outsole; and one or more forefoot slide pads removably attachable to the forefoot, to adjust the sliding characteristics of the forefoot. The outsole may include TPU, such as a clear and transparent TPU material. One or more heel pads removably attachable to the heel may also he provided, for adjusting the braking characteristics of the heel portion.

In another embodiment of the invention, a bowling shoe kit may be provided, which may include: a forefoot, a heel and an outsole; and one or more forefoot slide pads removably attachable to the forefoot, to adjust the sliding characteristics of the forefoot. The outsole may be made of TPU, and may include a lip extending down to at least partially cover a front-most toe portion of the forefoot slide pad, thereby helping to prevent the toe portion of the forefoot slide pad from detaching from the forefoot during play.

In still another alternative embodiment of the invention, a bowling shoe kit may be provided, which may include: a forefoot, a heel and an outsole; and one or more heel pads removably attachable to the heel, for adjusting the braking characteristics of the heel portion. At least one manually-graspable groove may also be provided, and located in a rear portion of the outsole, facilitating the player's ability to remove the heel pad from the heel. A bottom surface of the heel may include one or more depressions having a first topography, and the one or more heel pads may have a top surface with one or more corresponding projections having a second topography designed to mate with the first topography of the depressions.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a bowling shoe kit may be provided, including: a forefoot, a heel and an outsole; and one or more heel pads removably attachable to the heel, for adjusting the braking characteristics of the heel portion. A bottom surface of the heel may include a first topography, and the one or more heel pads may have a top surface with a second topography designed to mate tongue-and-groove with the first topography. The second topography may include a sloping projection whose base is wider than its top. The outsole may be made of TPU.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a bowling footwear kit is provided, and may include: a left shoe and a right shoe, with each shoe having a forefoot, a heel and outsole. Either or each of the shoes may also have at least one of the following: (a) one or more forefoot slide pads removably attachable to the forefoot, for adjusting the sliding characteristics of the forefoot; and (b) heel brake pads removably attachable to the heel, for adjusting the braking characteristics of the heel. The outsole may be made of TPU. The forefoot of one of the shoes may have a peripheral shape which is asymmetrical compared to the forefoot of the other shoe. Alternatively, the forefoot of each shoe may be symmetrical.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, together with further objects and attendant advantages thereof, will he best understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom and side perspective view of a new bowling shoe, and removable sole and heel pads for use thereon, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top and side perspective view of the shoe shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the corresponding circled portion of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the corresponding circled portion of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the corresponding circled portion of FIG. 2.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Set forth below is a description of what are believed to be the preferred embodiments and/or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to this preferred embodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure, or in result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the bowling shoe 10 of the present invention is shown. Bowling she 10 includes a sole 12, a heel 13, a sole 14 and a body portion 15. Sole slide pad 20 is designed to be readily removably attached to the bottom of sole 14, and heel brake pad 30 is designed to be readily removably attached to the bottom of heel 13, using hook-and-loop (Velcro®) or other suitable means. The sole slide pad 20 on the sliding shoe may be made be made of various materials, such as microfiber suede, non-woven nylon and cow suede, to provide a suitable sliding characteristic for the sole. The forefoot push pad material on the non-sliding shoe may be rubber. As is well known to those of ordinary skill, flex grooves (not shown) may be designed into the sole or midsole to provide for natural flexing of the foot. Heel pad 30 may be made of rubber, for example, to provide a suitable braking characteristic for the heel.

To prevent heel pad 30 from slightly moving laterally or longitudinally relative to shoe 10, heel pad 30 may include projections or bars 32 a, 32 b, while the bottom of heel 13 may include corresponding indentations 13 a, 13 b designed to mate, tongue-and-groove, with projections 32 a, 32 b, as best seen at FIG. 4. Preferably, front bar 32 a is longer than rear bar 32 b as front bar 32 a will absorb a greater amount of the force during play, and enlarging it relative to rear bar 32 b will provide it with needed strength to absorb the initial impact of body weight. Rear bar 32 b will ensure overall heel strength while also reducing or minimizing wobble in the heel which can occur from any sideways slide. It is also preferable that forward surfaces 32 a 1, 32 b 1 of bars 32 a, 32 b are angled as shown in FIG. 4, to better ensure against detachment of heel pad 30 during play. As one non-limiting example, front bar 32 a may form an isosceles trapezoid with parallel bases of about 2 and ⅛-inches and 2 inches, respectively, and equal-length legs of about ⅜-inches, as generally shown. As a further non-limiting example, rear bar 32 b may form an isosceles trapezoid with parallel bases of about 1 and ⅝-inches and 1 and ½-inches, respectively, and equal-length legs of about ⅜ inches.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, to facilitate removal and/or replacement of heel pad 30 from heel 13, a manually-graspable groove 40 in any rear portion of the outsole of the bowling shoe may be provided. (Here, “rear portion of the outsole” means an area extending circumferentially around the outsole from the arch area of the outsole (on either side of the shoe) to the rearmost portion of the outsole.) Groove 40 is preferably shaped and sized to enable a bowler's finger or thumb to be inserted into the groove, allowing the inserted appendix to exert direct downward pressure between the groove, and side and upper portions of heel pad 30, so that heel pad 30 may he detached and removed from heel 13.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, preferably outsole 12 may include a downwardly projecting or overhanging lip 50, preferably made of the same TPU material from which the outsole is preferably made from, that at least partially covers the front-most tip of sole pad 20. Outsole lip 50 thus protects sole pad 20 against its tendency to peel back during bowling, extending the life of sole pad 20.

Those of ordinary skill will also appreciate that bowling shoes according to aspects of the present invention can be provided with symmetrical, interchangeable sole attachments for each bowling shoe in a pair, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,458,927. Conversely, asymmetrical, interchangeable sole attachments may be provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a kit may be provided for sale, which may include one or more of the following: left and right shoes of a pair; removably attachable forefoot slide pads as described above; and removably attached heel brake pads as described above.

The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claims that define the invention. For example, while various preferred and less preferred embodiments have been described above, persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of other designs still falling within the scope of the following claims may be envisioned and used. It is contemplated that future modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims. 

1. A bowling shoe kit, comprising: a left shoe and a right shoe, each of the shoes having a forefoot, a heel and an outsole; one or more forefoot slide pads removably attachable to the forefoot of at least one shoe, to adjust the sliding characteristics of the forefoot; wherein the outsole of each of the shoes comprises TPU.
 2. The bowling shoe kit of claim 1, wherein the TPU is clear and transparent.
 3. The bowling shoe kit of claim 1, further comprising one or more heel pads removably attachable to the heel of at least one of the shoes, for adjusting the braking characteristics of the heel portion.
 4. A bowling shoe kit, comprising: a left shoe and a right shoe, each of the shoes having a forefoot, a heel and an outsole; one or more forefoot slide pads removably attachable to the forefoot of at least one of the shoes, to adjust the sliding characteristics of the forefoot; wherein the outsole of at least one of the shoes comprises TPU and includes a lip extending down to at least partially cover a front-most toe portion of the forefoot slide pad, thereby helping to prevent the toe portion of the forefoot slide pad from detaching from the forefoot during play.
 5. A bowling shoe kit, comprising: a left shoe and a right shoe, each of the shoes having a forefoot, a heel and an outsole; one or more heel pads removably attachable to the heel of at least one of the shoes, for adjusting the braking characteristics of the heel portion; and at least one manually-graspable groove located in a rear portion of the outsole of at least one of the shoes, facilitating a player's ability to remove the heel pad from the heel.
 6. The bowling shoe kit of claim 5, wherein a bottom surface of the heel of at least one of the shoes includes one or more depressions having a first topography, and wherein the one or more heel pads has a top surface with one or more corresponding projections having a second topography designed to mate with the first topography of the depressions.
 7. A bowling shoe kit, comprising: a left shoe and a right shoe, each of the shoes having a forefoot, a heel and an outsole; one or more heel pads removably attachable to the heel of at least one of the shoes, for adjusting the braking characteristics of the heel portion; and wherein a bottom surface of the heel of at least one of the shoes includes a first topography, and wherein the one or more heel pads have a top surface with a second topography designed to mate tongue-and-groove with the first topography.
 8. The bowling shoe kit of claim 7, wherein the second topography includes a sloping projection whose base is wider than its top.
 9. The bowling shoe kit of claim 7, wherein the outsole comprises TPU.
 10. A bowling footwear kit, comprising: a left shoe and a right shoe, each shoe haying a forefoot, a heel and an outsole, and at least one of either or both of the shoes further having: (a) one or more forefoot slide pads removably attachable to the forefoot, for adjusting the sliding characteristics of the forefoot; and (b) heel brake pads removably attachable to the heel, for adjusting the braking characteristics of the heel; wherein the outsole comprises TPU.
 11. The footwear bowling kit of claim 10, wherein the forefoot of one of the shoes has a peripheral shape which is asymmetrical compared to the forefoot of the other shoe.
 12. The footwear bowling kit of claim 10, wherein the forefoots of the shoes are symmetrical when compared to each other. 